Tiled shower with point drain

Tiled showers are luxurious and beautiful. With an abundance of tile colors, designs, and shapes there are literally endless possibilities to enhance the aesthetics of the entire bathroom.

Unlike fiberglass shower stall units, tiled showers have a smart, sophisticated look that makes a statement even in the most basic bathroom. The size of the shower can be customized to fit any space, and the finished result adds value to your home. Easy to clean and maintain, tiled showers offer aesthetic appeal with unmatched durability.

Tiled showers also allow for flexibility when installing the latest features, such as benches, niches, multiple shower heads, and steam units.

Waterproofing in the Shower

No matter the cost or extravagance of a tile installation project, the integrity of the tile is only as good as its foundation. Contrary to popular belief, tile and grout joints (even sealed grout joints) are not waterproof. Moisture that penetrates these areas and collects in the wall cavities or floor structure is the primary cause of leaks and mold. In order to create a tiled shower that will last a lifetime, a waterproofing system is needed beneath the tile covering.

Let’s take a look at two options for waterproofing your shower, both featuring the KERDI-DRAIN. Each of the two applications below is identical, but they explore two different options for moisture management: KERDI-BOARD and KERDI.

1. KERDI-BOARD

In this shower, we are using KERDI-BOARD building panels, instead of gypsum or cement board, to create the shower walls. Waterproof and vapor-retardant, KERDI-BOARD is a multifunctional tile substrate that is ideal for bonded waterproofing shower assemblies with tile. Even, impact-resistant, and rigid, KERDI-BOARD makes it easy to achieve plumb and level surfaces with square corners, simplifying tile installation.

Unlike gypsum or cement board panels that require additional waterproofing measures, KERDI-BOARD is ready to be tiled as soon as it’s installed so combines two steps into one. Made of lightweight XPS foam, KERDI-BOARD is easy to handle and cut, making installation a breeze.

2. KERDI-BAND

KERDI-BAND is a waterproofing strip used to seal all KERDI-BOARD butt joints, screw penetrations, and the connection between the KERDI-BOARD panels on the walls with the KERDI membrane laminated to the shower tray. KERDI-BAND is only 4 one-thousands of an inch (4 mil)-thick, half the thickness of KERDI thus limiting buildup, and ensuring a smooth surface for tile installation.

Waterproofing strip for sealing abutting joints of Schluter® membranes and building panels

3. Waterproofing corners

KERDI-KERECK-F are preformed, seamless corners made of KERDI for waterproofing inside and outside corners. Corners tend to be challenging areas to waterproof, so these corners greatly simplify installation.

4. Pipe and mixing valve seals

KERDI-SEAL-PS & -MV are used to seal pipe protrusions (PS) and protect solid backing panels at the mixing valve (-MV). They are made of KERDI waterproofing membrane and feature overmolded rubber gaskets to ensure a fully watertight seal.

5. KERDI-DRAIN

KERDI-DRAIN features an integrated bonding flange that provides a large contact area for adhering the KERDI waterproofing membrane and creating a secure waterproof connection at the top of the drain assembly. 2” and 3” outlets are available making it simple to connect to standard plumbing.

The grate assembly accommodates a wide range of tile thicknesses and allows lateral and tilt adjustment as well. The tileable covering support is placed flush with the top of the bonding flange and can therefore accommodate any thickness tile covering.

In this KERDI-BOARD shower we see the KERDI-DRAIN featured with the 4” stainless steel grate option. Grate choices are available in an array of finishes, or with the tileable version for a virtually invisible drainage line.

6. KERDI Waterproofing Membrane

The KERDI membrane is used here to cover the shower tray and curb, and integrate with the KERDI-DRAIN bonding flange. The KERDI membrane is sealed to the KERDI-BOARD on the walls using KERDI-BAND, thus ensuring the connection between the floor and wall is fully watertight.

7. Shower Base

The KERDI-SHOWER-ST is prefabricated, sloped shower tray made of lightweight, expanded polystyrene. While the shower tray is available in six sizes, it can also be cut to size or extended using dry-pack mortar. A pre-cut sheet of KERDI waterproofing membrane is included.

In cases where the configuration of the shower does not allow for the use of a prefabricated tray, the KERDI-DRAIN can also be used with a sloped mortar bed.

8. Prefabricated Shower Curb

The KERDI-SHOWER-SC shower curb featured here is one element of the full line of prefabricated substrates available that are made of lightweight, expanded polystyrene foam, and can be used in conjunction with the KERDI or KERDI-DS waterproofing membrane. You can cut the shower curb to size, or combine multiple curbs together for larger commercial steam showers.

The KERDI-BOARD-SC, a shower curb made entirely of KERDI-BOARD, is also available to integrate with the Schluter®-Shower System. KERDI-BOARD-SC is waterproof, easy to install, and ready for tile, making it a simple solution for tiled shower curbs.

1. KERDI Waterproofing Membrane

In this shower application, the KERDI waterproofing membrane has been applied to the solid backing on the walls, as well as the shower base and curb. KERDI is a pliable, sheet-applied polyethylene waterproofing membrane and vapor retarder that has been specifically designed for tile applications. Since it is made of inorganic materials, KERDI will not promote mold growth within the system. By providing reliable waterproofing directly behind the tile, KERDI eliminates the potential for moisture to seep into the shower base or the tile backing on walls, thus protecting moisture-sensitive building materials such as wood framing, plywood, and OSB and allowing the tile covering to dry between uses.

2. KERDI-BAND

KERDI-BAND is a waterproofing strip used to seal all KERDI seams, and floor-wall transitions. KERDI-BAND is only 4 one-thousands of an inch (4 mil) –thick, which is half the thickness of KERDI, and limits buildup and ensures a smooth surface for tile installation.

Waterproofing strip for sealing abutting joints of Schluter® membranes and building panels

3. Waterproofing corners

KERDI-KERECK-F are preformed, seamless corners made of KERDI for waterproofing inside and outside corners. Corners tend to be challenging areas to waterproof, so these corners greatly simplify installation.

4. Pipe and mixing valve seals

KERDI-SEAL-PS & -MV are used to seal pipe protrusions (PS) and protect solid backing panels at the mixing valve (-MV). They are made of KERDI waterproofing membrane and feature overmolded rubber gaskets to ensure a fully watertight seal.

5. KERDI-DRAIN

KERDI-DRAIN features an integrated bonding flange that provides a large contact area for adhering the KERDI waterproofing membrane and creating a waterproof connection at the top of the drain assembly, rather than below. 2” and 3” outlets are available making it simple to connect to standard plumbing.

The grate assembly accommodates a wide range of tile thicknesses and allows lateral and tilt adjustment as well. The covering support is placed flush with the top of the bonding flange and can therefore accommodate any thickness tile covering.

In this KERDI shower we see the KERDI-DRAIN featured with the 4” stainless steel grate option. Grate choices are available in an array of finishes, or with the tileable covering support for a virtually invisible drainage line

7. Prefabricated Shower Curb

In this application we see the KERDI-SHOWER-SC polystyrene shower curb, specifically designed to integrate with the shower system. Other options that can be added include prefabricated shower benches, niches, and ramps.